Soon after, this gold plating was removed after a visit from Deng Xiaoping, who, after seeing the monument, expressed displeasure with how Chinese aid was being spent.

At the same time, Kim Il Sung's statue was altered to portray him at a later age and smiling.

The statue of Kim Jong Il initially featured a long coat but it was promptly changed to his signature parka.

An official North Korean website describes it thus: The group sculptures represent in a comprehensive way the immortal history of revolutionary struggle of the Korean people who have recorded only victory and glory under the wise leadership of the great Generalissimos.

Locals are required to leave flowers in order to show respect and foreigners are also given the option.